About physics and consistency of mathematical theo - 07/19/08 08:04 AM
About physics and consistency of mathematical theories
Can physics make us know that mathematical theories are consistent ? Can
we consider as consistent the mathematical theories which are applied to
physics ?
It seems to me that consistency can be checked with the existence of a
thing satisfying what is assumed.
For instance in set theory, we look for a model to prove the consistency
of axioms.
The physical world satisfies laws and is not unlike a model.
Mr Andreas Blass wrote me that a contradiction could be found far down
the way and a consistency not confirmed by a proof is not mathematical
knowledge.
I think it is unlikely to meet a contradiction far down the way so for
practical purposes the applied theory can be considered consistent.
The fear of a contradiction expressed by some mathematicians is not
reasonable.
Most mathematical theories should be applied to physics in the far future.
Adib Ben Jebara.
Can physics make us know that mathematical theories are consistent ? Can
we consider as consistent the mathematical theories which are applied to
physics ?
It seems to me that consistency can be checked with the existence of a
thing satisfying what is assumed.
For instance in set theory, we look for a model to prove the consistency
of axioms.
The physical world satisfies laws and is not unlike a model.
Mr Andreas Blass wrote me that a contradiction could be found far down
the way and a consistency not confirmed by a proof is not mathematical
knowledge.
I think it is unlikely to meet a contradiction far down the way so for
practical purposes the applied theory can be considered consistent.
The fear of a contradiction expressed by some mathematicians is not
reasonable.
Most mathematical theories should be applied to physics in the far future.
Adib Ben Jebara.